May 2017 Newsletter

Spring moved into summer in a very comfortable manner – not the usual rain and soggy footpaths and no serious late frosts to wreck the fruit blossoms. Curiously, many of our “Spring” flowers have been more “seasonally” correct – primroses haven’t been blooming too early and the May Tree (Hawthorn) is flowering beautifully now.

Birdsong has also been great, I have done several Dawn Chorus trips aswell as running a 4 part Birdsong course – which saw a small but perfectly formed group of people learning how to identify new species and distinguish between the more common ones.

The Bushcraft sessions are also really kicking in now – they are a lovely way to spend a few hours in the woods, and there is no chance of going hungry with a variety of wild foods (veggie & meat) supplemented by wreckless indulgence in “Smores” and all washed down with a brew of wild Mint or Spruce Tip tea!

Once again the most popular activities have resulted from the “pressies” – gifts bought for loved ones for birthdays, xmas or whatever. I can really vary these sessions content and make them bespoke for the recipient/s: after all, some love to track wildlife or forage; some like to cover a few miles and others be stationary; and whilst some like to feast over an open fire, others might like to make a batch of Artists’ charcoal or even bows and arrows!! It’s all very possible, so please bear it in mind, or pass the word on to anyone having trouble finding an unusual gift!

Lastly, I am updating an important part of my website – that of the “Therapy Walks“. It seems fitting to announce this during Mental Health Awareness Week. I have for many years been increasingly concerned about levels of mental health illness and am currently embarking on a fascinating training scheme via “Way of Nature UK” to help understand the links between levels of wellbeing and contact with nature and/or wilderness.

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